Ronnie James Dio hologram makes debut

Ronnie James Dio's hologram made its debut at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany on Saturday (06.08.16) as his Dio Disciples closed the event

Ronnie James Dio closed a music festival on Saturday night (06.08.16) - as a hologram.

The late singer - who died in 2010 aged 67 - could be seen on stage at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany alongside his group Dio Disciples, and his widow admitted it was great to see the star back on stage "where he belongs".

Wendy Dio - who also served as his manager for many years - said: "When I first experienced the full production of Ronnie performing with his band as a hologram, I couldn't believe my eyes and ears.

"We have been able to get Ronnie back up on stage where he belongs, ensuring that his music and memory live on."

Dio Disciples lead guitarist Craig Goldy admitted it was "incredible" to see the star back on stage and please the delighted crowd.

He added: "We know how much the fans miss Ronnie and the special and unequalled element that he brought to his live performances.

"Being able to recreate that same kind of magic for his fans at Wacken was incredible. For so many years Ronnie always invested big in his live shows as his way to give back to the fans, and that is exactly what we aimed to do with this latest performance."

The star also teased a possibility of Dio Disciples going on tour with their new/old member.

He said: "We can't wait to bring this experience to even more of his fans and perhaps even a newer generation when we bring this incredible live experience on the road next year."

The event was attended by 75,000 fans and featured metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Bullet For My Valentine.